No longer a puppy

Liam will soon attain an important milestone. He will turn two on August 1, 2009. Yes, he is a Leo like me, and most likely a first born like me. He had a brother at North Shore who was adopted the same day as he was. The staff told us Liam had beaten up his brother the day before, so I am sure he is the first born because that is what we first borns do-beat up our younger sibs.
There seems to be a consensus that puppies are adults by age two. The smaller the dog the faster he/she matures. Liam is still mistaken for puppy on his walks and at Petco; he looks like a mini lab so he is treated like a puppy.

Liam asked to bark in the blog this week as a treat for attaining his adult milestone. Sure, why not? Following are some thoughts from Liam on a variety of topics.

Liam's thoughts on:

Naps- the best rest in the world anywhere, anytime, woof

Toys- my favorite is Mr. Pepper, then red Kong boney filled with treats

Walks- best with Daddy Paul, he lets me poop and pee anywhere, even on people's lawns. He allows me to lead. I can eat dirt and grass. I can scratch any tree and sniff all spots.
Mommy Carol watches too much Dog Whisperer- she will not allow any of that. This pack leader stuff is for the birds.

Birds- my favorites are doves, and cardinals-I love to chase them. If I come across a dead bird I will pick it up and try to scare my parents. They then call me "bird breath." I am not upset. "Dog breath" is a far worse insult.

Dogs- I bark at them all when I am inside. Outside I just look I do not like any dog that wears cutesy outfits Wussy dogs.

Squirrels- never tire of lunging and leaping for them. Hurt Mommy bad last year, but now I wear special harness and she stays upright most of the time. And we have a lovely framed eye as a result- very Van Goghish

Bedbugs- recent infestations have been identified in NYC. I can help. Beagles are the canine searchers and I am one quarter beagle.

The backyard- a place of infinite fun and relaxation woof woof woof

Obedience training- A big fat waste. I did not learn anything. I played with Murphy ( classmate) each week. The last session the instructor gave in and let all of us play for the entire session. I consider it my biggest victory over humans so far.

Hydrogen peroxide- Mommy Carol thinks this is the remedy for everything. Whenever I see the big brown bottle I run She loves to dab it on my cuts and bumps. She uses it on all of us.

Middle of the night eating. Mommy Carol does this when she cannot sleep. I can leap VERY high, I wait till she makes her sandwich then I leap. About 75% of the time I get some. One time I got the entire sandwich. I hate when she snacks on cereal. So boring. She should thank me for joining in-otherwise she would weigh 500 pounds. Daddy Paul often asks why the cold cuts disappear during the night. I get blamed. How does he think I open the fridge?

Water -hate it Grrrrrrrr That is how I know I am not any part lab.

Brushing my teeth. Another OCD thing from Mommy Carol. She is so proud of my white teeth, Whenever I see that tube of peanut butter flavored tooth paste I hide behind the couch.

Peanut butter-yummo, my favorite human food.

Jumping on people. I do it. I get squirted with a water pistol. But some people love it so I keep doing it.

Barking - I bark at passersby. I bark when I want to play. I bark when I lose a toy. It usually works. I have been told that I have a big voice for my size.

Getting older- I have some grey hairs around my chin, on my belly and on my legs
I still get mistaken for a puppy, because I am high energy, I lick faces, jump at folks-all puppy behavior. I am small like a puppy.

Petco- my favorite store. I sniff all the food, bark at the birds and cats. I always get a treat from the cashier. I am petted and called a cute puppy. I am an adult dog but I go along with the charade.

Chewing underwear- If it is reachable I am there. Most of Mommy's bras have one strap. I chew it so clean it looks like a scissor cut. Works with the one strap dresses quite well. Guess that toothpaste is helping.

Springsteen- he rocks, love the Boss

On being the subject of Liamlicks blog read by hundreds- I am a first born Leo. I welcome all attention and fame.
"Leos love to be in the spotlight. Their greatest strength is their playful and loving nature. The Lion-king of the jungle!"

Thanks everyone for reading looking and following forwarding commenting

Woof, woof, arooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo got to turn back to my bird watching. Love and Licks, Liam

My first Yoga class

I bought my first house at age 39. I got my first dog at age 57. I took my first Yoga class at age 58. Ruthless classifies me as a late bloomer. I never liked to say that about anyone as it rather implies doing things in reverse or being out of step with the rest of the world. Why would anyone want to be termed a late bloomer?
Definition of late bloomer: "Term used metaphorically to describe a child or adolescent who develops more slowly than others in their age group, (certainly not me), but eventually catches up and in some cases overtakes their peers, (okay, sounding better), or an adult whose talent or genius in a particular field only appears later in life ( now we are talking) than is normal-in some cases only in old age.- (turned bad at the end) ----from wikipedia.
My father learned to drive at 53 and my parents bought their first house in their 60's. Maybe it is hereditary.
Anyway it is done-my first Yoga class.
My class is at the Hillside Library who is my friend on Facebook, Yes, I am friends with a Library. My course is entitled "chair yoga." The session is from 10:15-11:30 AM Thursdays and that suits me as I do not want to be with working people. They need the night classes.
The required materials were a mat, towel, blanket and pillow (optional) I could find the last three around the house but had to purchase a mat. Seemed the most common color was royal blue. No, mine must be green. I found it online. The thickness seemed to matter so I got the medium thickness. I gathered the other items, worrying that everyone might have an official yoga blanket, yoga towel, yoga pillow. I would not. I did not unfurl my mat at home as I wanted to do that in the class, so it would be perfectly rolled until its debut.
I was up early this morning, very apprehensive but determined to go. As I pulled into the parking lot, I noticed a woman with a bag, mat sticking out and a pillow. The other cars were pulling in. Mostly older women, a few young women, two mature men.

I climbed the stairs to the second floor. The instructor greeted all of us personally and seemed like the ideal Yoga person- calm, loving, lithe. Many people knew each other and were chatting; others seemed to want to be by themselves. All the chairs were against the walls and people were unrolling their mats. I let mine loose and it was VERY long Sort of like the green mat on the Fidelity "turn here" commercials. New girl, with big mat. Yikes. I sat on my chair wondering if I should put in my hearing aids I would not have the visual aid of reading lips as the instructor wanted us to trust and keep our eyes closed. I put the left hearing aid in. A compromise. Just as I did two women to my right introduced themselves as Angela and Georgia, Was sure about Angela, but Georgia? I figured I would know eventually. Picked the wrong ear to load up with my hearing aid. Georgia whispered that the woman to my left falls asleep at the end-the last 15 minutes being just breathing and lying on one's back. Could this be my sleep remedy?

Our instructor told us she would lead us, just listen; keep our eyes closed. She asked that we think of one word -this would be a word we would repeat in our heads as a mantra; she offered some examples: dream, hope, peace, clouds She added that we should try to see ourselves smiling, happy and carefree. The only word I could think of was "Liam" and instead of me happy and carefree, I had a visual of Liam happy and carefree not me Oh well. My secret. There were flameless candles encircling the instructor. Our room became dark.
We began. The emphasis was on breathing accompanied with arm motions. I can twist myself into almost any position, but the twisting skill would not be needed in this class. What was needed was a mind that followed directions with no visuals as our eyes were to remain closed. I remembered why I could not be cheerleader in HS. If the instruction is "lean left, I lean right. Same reason I could not do the canine behavior commands. I had to peek to see where everyone was; try not to get caught with my one eye open. At one point I saw the entire class leaning to the left and I was to the right. But if they were following the teacher's instructions they would not know I was off since they should have had their eyes closed. I was outstanding in the Lion grunt, better than the Williams sisters but not as loud as Monica Seles.
We arrived at the last 15 minutes and were asked to lie down and cover ourselves with our blankets. The music was peaceful. The instructor's tone soothing. Then I heard it. Faint at first. Nevertheless, unmistakable. Snoring. It got louder. Of course, the snorer was on my left (as predicted by Georgia). My left hearing aid enhanced her sounds. They were deep, REM like sleep noises. So much for peace and quiet.

The end of the class was signaled by ringing of chimes. Sweet.
Snorer had to be shaken awake. How wonderful to be able to sleep so deeply, so quickly!

My first Yoga class was over. I liked it. The emphasis was where I needed it, breathing and spirituality. Better than a glass of shiraz.
Liam waited for a report. He told me of Doga. We could go together maybe, he implored with his brown eyes Liam watches CNN while I am out, so he is up on all the latest trends. Yes, You guessed it Doga is when you bring your dog to Yoga and you and dog do Yoga; hence doga see Liam dreaming himself in Doga class lower right on green mat from photo from Seattle Humane society
Questions:
Is Georgia really Georgia? or did I hear that because that is the state where my best friend resides? Will I be able to sleep in the class? Will I ever be able to sleep anywhere? Will I figure out what to do with the towel? Will I be able to close my eyes and not fear I am doing the opposite position of the the rest of the class? How often did I misuse the verb - lay, lie, lying ? Never used lain.
Am I really a late bloomer or just the product of 16 years of Catholic schooling?

Namaste The light within me honors the light within you

woof woof

Liam Lounges with the Ladies

We were invited to a lovely lunch on the North Shore. The "we" would be Liam and I traveling out to the "Spa in the Woods" joining the host and three other ladies. So five women and one boy dog. Good odds, Liam liked it. I thought I had my timing perfect. I needed to allow 50 minutes for the drive, although it takes less, because I had to make sure I was not the last one. A first born quirk, maybe? Did not want the party starting without me or deeper.

I started to put items together; sunscreen, (very optimistic since June 2009 was vying for the wettest June on record with 4 days to go.) I packed some toys for Liam, his water, my water, a sweatshirt for me, a sunhat, water pistols to squirt Liam if he went near food or did inappropriate licking and leaping, plus the usual, cell, camera, etc. I lathered up with sunscreen so I would be ready upon arrival to hang in the pool area.

As we started the drive, I realized time had slipped away a bit, something that has happened in my retirement. I only had 40 minutes. Yikes, I might possibly be last to arrive. We set out and Liam sat in the copilot seat, which is the control area between the driver's seat and the right front seat. I meant to stick a pillow between the seats, so the weight of his body would not affect the controls. He began stepping on each button, sort of like a dance. Sausage dog's feet were pushing the window controls so as I drove all four windows were going up and down. Also the side mirrors were moving back and forth, as he alternately stepped on those controls. Then Liam began licking my arms, neck and face to enjoy the yummy sunscreen. I tried to cover the controls with my hand but found driving with one arm on a fast moving highway to be quite unnerving.

I had seen the movie Marley and Me. During a drive Marley leaps out the open window into traffic. If I was not vigilant, this could happen on this drive.

We made great time, flowing traffic, no accidents, no rain. As I turned onto my friend's lovely block,, the car clock clicked to 12:30 PM. That was the absolute latest time I could arrive before being declared late. I pulled into the driveway and saw the cars of the other guests. Oh no, I am the last to arrive. I felt a sense of shame and failure.
I rolled up the windows that Liam had inadvertently opened. I heard a yelping, choking sound. Liam's head was stuck in the window. I might have broken his esophagus. I quickly unrolled the window and he started coughing and sneezing. I hugged him and apologized profusely.

I burst into my friend's house with a leashed Liam and announced our arrival.

I might have feared those solemn words from the TV show Amazing Race-"Carol, you are the last to arrive, I am sorry, but you have been eliminated." I am the last one to arrive. I am not pleased, but I have not been eliminated. I get to stay.

I got settled, and started noshing and chatting. Liam was roaming about looking at all the rooms- see him by the door on the right, tail up I am thinking, how sweet; he is showing how interested he is in the decor. Our host will be so flattered by this attention. What a social animal!

After about 20 minutes, I looked towards the dining area and there was Liam, pooping . I had ignored the basic rule of a long car ride with a dog. "The dog must be given an opportunity to relieve himself upon arrival. He/she needs to adjust to the surroundings."
I had been too concerned with not being last to notice Liam's behavior. I should report myself to North Shore Animal League. Our host was very understanding about the accident.

We were inside because of the storm threat. This was fine as Liam had licked off all my sunscreen. After relieving himself, Liam rejoined us for the appetizers-licked a few nuts, tried to eat some shrimp and then plopped himself in the host's seat when she left the room to get lunch ready.

We ate lunch in the dining room, with Liam circling the table. Liam is just tall enough to reach an item on the edge of the table. I had only brought two water pistols and should have brought one for each person.. The place settings could have been fork on left, knife and spoon on right and pistol on top.

We all settled in, as did Liam.

The day became sunny and after lunch we went outside to the serene spa-like setting.
I brought my water guns

Liam had a blast chasing rabbits
gazing at the pool
looking around the yard lounging with the ladies.

He loves the women and started up a chat with a woman from a two housing project background
Liam- Hi, heard you are from the projects. I lived at North Shore Animal League for a bit, like the projects for doggies
Project lady- I lived in two projects, Brooklyn then Queens
Liam- I am from Tennessee

The day flew as it does with friends. As we gathered around to leave about 6PM, the sky became ominously dark

We headed home on the cusp of a dangerous storm that exploded around us as we drove. Liam went to the back seat, put his head down, while I held onto the steering wheel with all my strength. The blackness enveloped the car and I was not sure if I was in a lane. Cars were pulling over to the side. Lightning, thunder, blackness. I just kept going forward, hoping no one was stuck in front of me. I kept reaching back to comfort Liam with one hand, while I held on to the steering wheel with the other. Was this as bad as texting while driving? Hope not, I was going so slow that it seemed to be okay. Where was the dog co-pilot of this morning who would not leave my side? Waves started rolling by; seemed there was a tide and it was high I was in the middle of a monstrous storm that might possibly put us over the top and break the all time rain record for the month of June. The radio stated that dangerous storms were in the area and listed all the problem roads-seems I was in a problem. I wanted to be home by 7 PM as we had our standing Friday night reservation at Crabtree's. At 6:50 PM, I pulled into the driveway of our home in New Hyde Park. The storm was over almost precisely at that moment, with the sun shining through raindrops.

Paul was waiting. His first words "We don't have to go out if you don't want to."
The idea of going out was what kept me focused and determined all the way home.
That, and breaking the June record for rain.

We went out to Crabtree's.

No record-second rainiest June in history. Not the first :(

Woof, woof